Dubai-based Emirates Airlines alone logged 150 firm orders for the 777X, as well as purchase rights on another 50.

"Design of the 777X is underway and Boeing confirms suppliers will be named “in the coming months.” Production will begin in 2017, with first delivery of the 777-9X targeted for 2020, with initial deliveries of the -8X following around 18 months later," writes Guy Norris of Aviation Week.